What do high thyroglobulin levels indicate?

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Elevated thyroglobulin levels indicate abnormal thyroid function resulting from a thyroid disorder. Monitoring the levels in patients diagnosed with such disorders gives the physician a tool to track the disease progression, according to Lab Tests Online.

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Hyperthyroidism, abnormally high activity of the thyroid gland, produces higher than normal thyroglobulin levels. Levels also rise when a thyroid tumor is present in the body. After the tumor is treated or surgically removed, the levels of thyroglobulin drastically fall, says the University of Michigan Health System.

Tracking the levels of thyroglobulin from the initial thyroglobulin test, also called the tumor marker, to the latest test ordered by the physician gives a good indication on the how the patient’s body is responding to treatment. One test result is not a good indicator, but tracking the results over time is a valid method to use in determining the prognosis of the patient, notes Lab Tests Online.

Some of the thyroid disorders associated with elevated thyroglobulin levels are Grave’s disease, goiter and thyroiditis, states Lab Tests Online. Diminished thyroglobulin levels indicate the effectiveness of the treatment regimen. Decreasing levels for periods of time that gradually start to increase tell the physician that there is a strong possibility that the condition has returned.